Tregar: Argentina’s Dairy Powerhouse Expands Production and Eyes Global Markets
Gobernador Crespo, a town of approximately 7,000 inhabitants in the Santa Fe province, is home to Tregar (García Hnos. Agroindustrial S.R.L.), a significant player in Argentina’s dairy industry. The company’s main industrial plant, a 37,000 m2 dairy facility, produces over 800,000 liters of milk daily, alongside a variety of other dairy products. Recent investments totaling around US$17 million annually are fueling expansion, with plans for another US$15 million investment this year to further increase production capacity.
Boosting Capacity: Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese Production
“Last year, we incorporated two yogurt production lines, another line for milk production, and renewed all existing technology for the manufacture of white cheeses and creams,” stated Rodrigo Alzueta, General Manager of Tregar. These upgrades have resulted in a 40% increase in yogurt production, a 30% increase in long-life milk, a 20% increase in white cheese production, and a 30% increase in cream production.
Strategic Land Acquisition and Infrastructure Development
Looking ahead, Tregar has expanded its Gobernador Crespo property by adding 90 hectares to its existing 13-hectare site. The company is currently installing a steam generation network and plans to install a new boiler with a capacity of 20 tons. Future projects include reconversion efforts to improve efficiency and further expansions of yogurt and hard cheese production lines for export.
Growing Milk Processing Volumes
In 2025, Tregar processed 345 million liters of milk, a significant increase from the 290 million liters processed in 2024. This demonstrates a clear upward trend in the company’s processing capabilities.
Export Opportunities: Demand for Argentine Mozzarella
While Tregar has been a presence in the Argentine market for over 50 years, it has recently gained greater visibility nationwide and increased its market share. Despite a challenging year for the dairy industry in 2024, Tregar experienced a rebound in 2025. Between July 2024 and June 2025, Tregar ranked seventh in the national milk processing ranking by the Chain Observatory (OCLA), processing over 800,000 liters daily and increasing its penetration in the Greater Buenos Aires (AMBA) region.
International Expansion and Gulfood Participation
Tregar’s expansion strategy extends beyond the domestic market. The company recently reported a 10-12% increase in export volume. They actively participate in international trade shows like Gulfood in Dubai, connecting with customers in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. While Mercosur countries – Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru – remain key destinations, Tregar is strategically targeting markets with the highest growth potential.
Mozzarella: A Key Export Product
Mozzarella is a flagship export product, with growing demand in the food service segment. Tregar currently produces 2,000 tons of mozzarella annually for export, reaching destinations like Libya. According to Rodrigo Gonnet, from Tregar’s Foreign Trade department, Argentine dairy products have a strong reputation for scale and efficiency, making them competitive in the global market.
From a Valise to a Dairy Industry: The García Family Legacy
The origins of Tregar date back to 1938, when Spanish immigrants Cipriano García Sainz and Hortensia de Simón settled in Colonia La Penca. What began as a compact family dairy operation evolved from a humble 75-liter pot used for crafting artisanal cheeses. Cipriano would transport these cheeses in a leather valise – the same one he brought from Spain – to sell door-to-door in nearby towns.
The Rise of García Hermanos Agroindustrial
The turning point came in 1975 when three of the couple’s sons, Florencio, Vicente, and Pedro, took over the business with a vision for expansion. They founded García Hermanos Agroindustrial and created the Tregar brand, an acronym honoring the “three Garcías.” In 1998, the company moved to its current location in Gobernador Crespo, and established a second plant in Calchaquí, specializing in cheese production.
A Diversified Business
Today, the group employs nearly 700 people and encompasses several business units, including pig production, primary milk production at its state-of-the-art dairy farm, animal feed manufacturing, and a freight transport company called Don Cipriani.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where is Tregar located?
A: Tregar’s main plant is located in Gobernador Crespo, Santa Fe Province, Argentina.
Q: What types of dairy products does Tregar produce?
A: Tregar manufactures milk, cheese, cream cheese, yogurt, rice pudding, and dulce de leche.
Q: What is Tregar’s export strategy?
A: Tregar exports 30% of its output, primarily to Russia, Brazil, Algeria, Chile, Asia, and Western Africa, with a growing focus on mozzarella exports.
Q: Who owns Tregar?
A: Tregar is owned by the García Family.
Q: How many people does Tregar employ?
A: As of February 2020, Tregar employed 300 people. Current employment is nearly 700.
Did you realize? Tregar’s name is an acronym honoring the three García brothers who transformed the family business into a major dairy industry player.
Explore more about Argentina’s agricultural sector here.
